Peregrine Falcon Parentage
A peregrine falcon DNA test to determine parentage is a powerful tool for breeders, falconers and conservationists, allowing the determination of genetic links between offspring and parents.
We are able to carry out DNA testing to determine genetic relationships for pure peregrine falcons. Falcon parentage testing can be carried out at any age. We can even use the eggshell membrane after the chick has hatched and confirm the sex of the chick for you too. Find out more about our DNA sexing service here.
Our standard parentage service is what is known as a personal information DNA test. Samples can be taken by yourself and a report is provided which will confirm the probability of parentage.
We also offer a Gold Peregrine Parentage Service where you would be required to ask a veterinary practice to take the samples, identifying that the correct bird has been sampled. The samples are then sent directly back to our laboratory, maintaining a chain of custody.
Important Information
Important information to note before proceeding with a parentage test:
The female parent/mother must be available to participate in the test.
Please note that this service unfortunately cannot be used to determine parentage for hybrid species. If there is a chance that any of the birds participating might be a hybrid falcon, please contact us before ordering.
Sample Types
Blood
Feather
Egg Membrane
Mini Buccal Swab*
*Mouth swabs will only be accepted using the specialised mini buccal swabs available from chXout®
Standard and Gold service comparison
How does a peregrine falcon DNA test work?
Making use of a special technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), we are able to copy all the regions of DNA we require for a falcon DNA test to determine a probability of parentage.
chXout® uses twenty-three independent autosomal DNA markers to carry out the parentage analysis.
We make use of PCR to copy multiple highly variable regions, known as short tandem repeats (STR’s). By copying and analysing these regions we are able to produce a DNA profile for each individual bird.
Click on me to see my DNA profile!
Each individual has two alleles (variations between individual sections of DNA) at each DNA marker. One of these is inherited from the mother and the other from the father.
Similarly to a human paternity test, we are then able to compare the DNA profiles of the chick and mother to rule out the alleles inherited maternally.
By process of elimination, we are then left with the alleles corresponding to the alleged father. If the remaining alleles match at each marker, we can conclusively say that the tested male is the biological father of the chick.
Instructions
- Collect the sample using the sample using the Sampling Instructions document. For a feather sample we require at least 6 plucked feathers. Mouth swabs can only be accepted using chXout supplied mini swabs (see mouth swab instructions document).
- Ensure that your samples are sealed securely and labelled correctly.
- Package your samples safely, including your client reference for identification.
- Send your samples to us at chXout®, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, DH7 0EX.
When your sample arrives with us, you will receive an email to confirm sample receipt and expected due date.
We do not operate on weekends or bank holidays and the day your sample is logged at our laboratory is considered “day 0.”
Results are provided within 8 working days by email with a report as a PDF attachment.
Falcon DNA Test FAQs
If you have a large number of birds to be tested with multiple relationships, please contact us for a quote as we may need to provided multiple reports depending on the statistical analysis required.
The mother's sample is used to rule out the maternally inherited alleles to check if the remaining alleles correspond with the potential father.
Currently there are fourteen DNA markers used to confirm falcon parentage. If there was an instance where the potential male parents were closely related enough to not be able to confirm a result due to the similarity of the DNA profiles at those particular markers, this would be explained clearly in the report. Falcon parentage is not quite yet at the same stage as that of dogs and other animals, where additional markers are available to carry out extended parentage testing.
If you are aware of or suspect that any potential male parents may be closely related it is always useful to notify us so that we have all of the information when completing the analysis.
Please note that this service unfortunately cannot be used to determine parentage for hybrid species. If you think there could be a possibility one of the birds you require to be tested could be a hybrid, please contact us prior to placing an order.
Please note that there is an additional cost for this service as you will be required to arrange a DNA sample collection appointment with your vet (independent third party). Pricing will depend on your chosen veterinary practice.
